Lionsgate signs multiyear TV agreement with Universal Music Group

Lionsgate and Universal Music Group (UMG) have signed a multiyear first-look television deal under which the companies will develop original scripted and unscripted television projects drawn from UMG’s portfolio of labels, artists and music.

As part of the agreement, Lionsgate and Polygram Entertainment, UMG’s film and television production and development division, will work together to combine recordings from the music company’s labels including Capitol, Def Jam, Interscope, Island, Republic, Universal Music Nashville, Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Verve, Motown and Blue Note to produce premium programming.

In addition, UMG will produce soundtrack albums associated with projects created under the agreement. The announcement builds on Lionsgate and UMG’s successful track record with film scores and soundtracks including La La Land (Interscope), Hunger Games (Republic) and Divergent (Interscope).

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Universal Music Group, one of the world's most innovative music companies and home to some of the greatest musical talent and recordings in existence,” said Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs. “With Polygram, UMG has produced award-winning films and we can't wait to see what we can accomplish together in television.

“We see so much opportunity for storytelling in the talent and properties that UMG represents, and we look forward to working together to bring these incredible stories to life in a way that resonates with a global audience.”

Michele Anthony, executive vice president of UMG, added: “We’re excited to partner with Lionsgate, one of the premiere entertainment companies in the world, to create an unmatched opportunity for our artists and labels and the stories they inspire, as well as draw from the goldmine of genres, time periods and legendary figures represented by our rich and storied catalog. Polygram has quickly become a home for Hollywood’s brightest creators and this partnership is a significant step in our television and audiovisual strategy, as well as our evolution as a global media company.”